Sandstone Falls Hike
Waterfall | West Virginia
0.4 mi round trip
Sandstone Falls Hike at a Glance
The Sandstone Falls hike via the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk is 0.4 mi round trip.
| Elevation at the falls | ≈ 1,330 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Sandstone Falls Boardwalk |
| Distance | 0.4 mi round trip |
Your time: about 10 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed). A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 80 kcal. No elevation gain is published for this route, so climbing time isn’t included.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 0.4 mi distance for this hike is verified (nps.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls is a waterfall in West Virginia, on land managed by New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk: 0.4 miles round trip, from Sandstone Falls parking area, River Road (WV 26). Distance from nps.gov.
Before You Go
- The boardwalk is a handicapped accessible path that crosses two bridges to islands and observation decks. (nps.gov)
- The waters around Sandstone Falls are very swift and dangerous. (nps.gov)
- Large vehicles over 25 feet long, such as RVs, are not recommended. (nps.gov)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Sandstone Falls?
The Sandstone Falls Boardwalk to Sandstone Falls is 0.4 miles round trip.
Where does the Sandstone Falls hike start?
It starts from Sandstone Falls parking area, River Road (WV 26).
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Sandstone Falls Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- nps.gov
- Distance
- nps.gov
- Falls location
- gowaterfalling.com
- Elevation
- ≈ Copernicus GLO-90 elevation model at the falls coordinates (via Open-Meteo)
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of Sandstone Falls.